turnabout

[ turn-uh-bout ]

noun

1. the act of turning in a different or opposite direction.
2. a change of opinion, loyalty, etc.
3. a reciprocal action; act of doing to someone exactly as that person has done to oneself or another:

   Turnabout is fair play.

4. a person who changes things; a radical.
5. Chiefly British. merry-go-round.

turnabout

/ ˈtɜːnəˌbaʊt /

noun

1. the act of turning so as to face a different direction
2. a change or reversal of opinion, attitude, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnabout¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; noun use of verb phrase turn about

Example Sentences

The irony of his turnabout was not lost on his colleagues.

From New York Times

And it represents a sobering turnabout for a foundation so prolific at Columbia that it underwrote both the Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion and the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center.

From New York Times

Johnson’s welcome turnabout involved listening to the nation’s top national security officials; praying; and worrying about his son, who will soon enroll in the United States Naval Academy.

From Seattle Times

It was dramatic turnabout for Austin Smith, a House member in his first term representing parts of northwestern Maricopa County.

From New York Times

But the regents’ proposal, some faculty and students worry, could represent a turnabout, at a moment when the very language used to describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply contested.

From New York Times

Related Words

• change of direction
• flip-flop
• reversal
• turnaround
• U-turn